When the word "I" becomes "we".
Lifestyle adjustment from "I/my" in "we/our" is critical to making a relationship work.
When you get married or enter into a serious partnership, many things change. You intertwine your life with another person, with whom you become a team. Life as you know it ends and it often takes a long time before you adjust to this new but completely normal situation.
These are 7 things you and your partner can do to strengthen your relationship.
1. Create your own rituals
This is common advice for strengthening relationships and reconnecting with your partner. Creating your own rituals refers to actually preparing anything that you do regularly and enjoy doing. It can be something as simple as dinner or a dance.
2. Reserve time for the two of you
Organize and book your meetings. It's important to set aside a few minutes to talk about your feelings and any concerns you or your partner may have.
3. Impact of decisions on your partnership
When faced with a difficult decision, ask yourself: “How will this affect my marriage/relationship?” That doesn't mean you don't care how it affects you. And also not that you only focus on how it will affect your partner. When you ask yourself how something will affect your relationship, you have in mind you and your partner - the two of you.
4. Set priorities
The partner is the priority in the relationship! Many people find it difficult to break away from the idea that their family of origin is no longer a priority. For this reason, relationships often suffer, as such people prioritize friends and family more than their partners. Boundaries need to be set. For example, even if your partner likes your friends, he may not want to have them over every day.
5. Encourage and support each other
It is extremely important that they support each other. It is understandable that from time to time one of you - or both - will not feel the best in life. When your partner is feeling down, demotivated, or self-doubt, it's important to provide support.
6. Plan your week
When you sit down at the weekend, pull out your calendar and plan for the week ahead – do you list work, meetings and coffees with friends first before booking a date and time with your partner? Most likely. Error! Don't wait until there are only a few minutes left in the calendar for your partner. He should be your priority.
7. Leave your job at work
Today, it is almost impossible not to take your work home. It is important to note how your work will affect your relationship and whether you need to set boundaries. After all, there is nothing more important than the people you love and the relationships you build with them. Take your time, work hard, and love them.
